Capturing Kids Hearts Reflection

There was a lot that I took away from the Capturing Kids’ Hearts presentation. First off, I would have loved to have had a teacher like Rashel Ward-Bussard when I was in 8th grade. When I was that age I wanted to be treated like an adult, and yet, I did not know how to act like one. In the presenter’s class, it sounds like the students are not just taught science—but taught life lessons. The three stand out aspects of the Capturing Kids’ Heart presentation consisted of: 1) shaking the kids’ hands at the door (engagement) 2) the social contract 3) and the launch. From being a preschool teacher, I acquired some germophobic tendencies. Prior to class, I would have never thought of shaking every kids hand prior to them entering the classroom.

Again, when I was that age I wanted to be treated like an adult and having input about what is on the contract would make me feel like I had ownership of the class. It was not just another teacher telling me what to do, but I helped make the rules and the consequences that followed if they were not followed. Additionally, then being taught what each term of the contract ment would help to lay a foundation that could actually be followed. Having an operational definition to words that we hear everyday (i.e. respect, fair, responsibility) helps the students have a better opportunity to follow the contract because they understand what is expected. Lastly, I loved the launch. Not only does it end the class in a positive way, but I liken it to speaking words of light into souls that may be dealing with darkness every day. Unfortunately, we will encounter kids that have never been told that they matter. Speaking light into them daily may plant seeds of hope, light, and help them to see that they are more than what others have told them. I may not be able to tell them that God loves them; but I can reflect God’s love onto them. A launch is a great way to do